*fcomic RESITS REJECTED AGAIN FOR the second year in succession the School has rejected student calls for the introduction of September Resits. The decision was made at Wednesday's meeting of the Academic Board, on which students have no representation. In an unusually well-attended meeting the proposal was defeated by a margin of around four to one. The topic was brought up again by student representatives at the meeting of the Genera] Purposes Committee last month, when the Director and other staff present agreed the idea in principle. Professor Dahrendorf promised to give the proposals maximum support at the Academic Board and made a powerful speech in their favour. The outcome must be seen as a serious setback to the Director's authority, and LSE still remains one of the few colleges in the country not.to operate a resit system. In the past the most concerted opposition to the idea has come from the Mathematics and Statistics Departments and their staff members were present in numbers at the meeting. Besides this, staff from Industrial Relations and Philosophy each spoke against the idea, while the Law Department, who run their own resits, supported the idea. Professor Dahrendorf was unwilling to comment until he had spoken to the Students' Union but expressed his disappointment over the decision. He denied suggestions that the Mathematicians had packed the meeting and stressed that it was not just that department which had opposed the idea. Student Union officers are extremely annoyed at the decision and in a recent paper pointed to the extra hardship INSIDE. .. Page 2—LETTERS Page 3—NEWS ROUND-UP Page 4—SPOTLIGHT Page 5—SPEAKERS' CORNER Pages 6 A 7—WORLD REPORT Pages 8 & 9—THE LONDON ARTS Page 1tt—ENTS Page It—RAG '82 Page 12—BASKETBALL: the full story the present system causes students. Those retaking a paper in their second year are faced with an extra burden of work, while those who have to retaice their first year are the most obvious victirris of Local Authority Grant Cut-backs, and may be forced to leave all together. It seems that once more the properly - presented requests of students have begn refused, and it is no wonder many have so little faith in the committee system when the odds aie stacked against them. COLIN BATES LSE WINS UAU CUP -See Page 12 STIRRINGS IN THE LIBRARY AS the end of the second term looms up and final year students flood like lemmings out of the Three Tuns and into the Library, they might notice an air of dissatisfaction. Both the Library staff and students are' becoming concerned with the cuts that are starting to bite into what should be the mainstay of any academic institution. The Library staff are at present working to rule in an attempt to persuade the Librarian and the School to fill three vacant posts in the Readers' Services Department. This is the section of the Library that students have most contact with— the assistants who issue books, collect fines and give advice. The work to rule is quite popular with students who would otherwise have to pay the fines which are not being collected — losing the Library over £100 per week. It also means certain counters are unmanned during the day. The staff have admirably restricted their action to weekday office hours so that they will not affect part-time students who can only use the Library in the evenings and on Saturdays. Several hundred signatures have been collected in support of the Library action and it is hoped that students wil realise that the work to rule can only benefit them if it succeeds in filling the posts and thus improving services. The Library has been understaffed since it moved to its large site in 1979. A Working Party in 1979 recommended a number of increases in staffing. It cost an estimated £846,000 to run the Library last year and over 60% of that was staff costs. This was however a slight drop in the proportion spent on salaries. This year the Library has had a 5% cut in its block grant from the School. Student numbers in the last year have however increased by 17%. The School has a number of options. It could redistribute funds within the Library so that the staff numbers stay level or increase for perhaps the first time to an adequate level. It could similarly redistribute expenditure within the School itself, meaning other departments would suffer; or it could make a concerted effort to attract outside finance. The Library purports to be the British Library of Political and Economic Science — the leading Library in the country for the Social Sciences. However the current staff-only Working Party has decided that the main priority is to provide a Library that can serve its students. The Director has tried to maintain a Library that serves both the country and the School at an adequate level but has failed due to lack of resources. Like the Library staff, the students, I believe, should oppose all the cuts and at the same time urge improvements in services. The Students' Union Report on the Library is being presented to the Library Committee as we go to Press. It proposes a number of improvements to services, many of which have few resource implications. Like most committees on which students are allowed to sit it has little say in what actually happens. It is strictly precluded from speaking let alone deciding anything in the light of its financial costs. However, the Librarian is considering the Report which has proved to be the most comprehensive collation of complaints on the Library. (Continued on Page Three) abortion dampdown NEWSPAPER OF THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS STUDENTS' UNION No. 206 FEBRUARY 17 th, 1982 Women fight LAST Tuesday 600 people (in-eluding a large contingent of students marched on Westminster to protest against ne recent distortion of the 1967 Abortion Act. The '67 Act permitted operating doctors to give either medical or non-medical reasons to justify their decisions to perform an abortion. About 80 per cent of the abor- '°"S pertormea '"n this country were justified on the basis of social and environmental factors and of damage to the mental health of the pregnant woman. In March 1981, however, the wording of the form whrch doctors had to complete following an abortion was changed. The wording of the 1987 Act was re-interpreted by the BHSS to mean that there must be a medical condition, present or anticipated, to justify an abortion. Anti-abortionists have repeatedly failed to get legislation through Parliament, and this new restriction is an attempt to accomplish through administrative means what has previously failed in open debate. In other words abortion laws are being made stricter in a completely undemocratic and underhanded way. Currently, two doctors who have continued to work under the old interpretations of the 1967 Act are awaiting prosecution. Dr Peter Huntingford, one of the doctors under threat, has said : "If this prosecution goes ahead I would regard it as the prosecution of 80 per cent of the women who have had legal abortions under the 1967 Act. . . I therefore feel I am in good company." The result of this change in the Act is that many women will either be coerced into dangerous backstreet abortions or into having chidren they neither want nor will be able adequately to care for. This will obviously have a serious effect on people's lives. The question remains: whose right is it to choose — the woman's or that of the DHSS ? KIRSTY LANG LETTERS TO THE EDITOR APARTHEID ANGER WHOSE UNION IS IT ? Dear Editors, ATTITUDES to the Students Union vary considerably from the indifferent to those who see it as the government of a world they have withdrawn into. It would seem that about 75 per cent of students do not even bother to vote and a further 10-15 per cent vote at Union meetings without taking any interest in the proceedings. But why should thej ? Firstly, the Union gets about £42 per student, and secondly it does everything in the name of all students, so, like it or not, we all share the responsibility for every decision it takes. Do we get value for our £42? If we accept that there is waste and that some people benefit very much more than others, then the answer for many students, if not the majority, must be no. For example, a major saving could be made by not affiliating to NUS. The question is whether the union is sufficiently representative to spend so much money. In reality. Union democracy is highly questionable. At the centre of this issue is the constitution, which many people feel is not "worth the paper it is printed upon. An example is the quorum, which is 150, only 4 per cent of the total mem- bership, and could be achieved by a number of ^linority groups at the School. The meeting of the 4th February,'* was extended after 2 pm by a vote, which allowed a motion highly i critical of the army to be passed. ;The result was tnat 76 per cent of [students never heard Steve Pound's;:, vicious verbal attack on the army, and gave students a policy of opposition to the force, effectively bringing in a 'No Platform' policy through the back door. i Apathy rutei the day, and while some students-will undoubtedly insist that it is up to other students to speak out if* they are not satisfied, perhaps ; the Union should have to justify its activities to the whole student Jbody. This will only be possible if.,the majority are given a clearj : chance to indicate support or opposition. This means referenda on important issues such as contined af^liation to NUS. Insisting on moire than 50 per cent voting to stay in would seem essential but anything over 40 per cent might be sufficient. Steve Pound promised to make the union more democratic but will he deliver the goods? After all, whise Union is it anyway? PAUL GARDNER The Editors, I WOULD like to express my utter" disgust at the "Spotlight" article by one Penny Marshall. From what she writes I would ask Ms Marshall to do the only honest thing left for a woman of her nature and declare her own tacit, support for the Apartheid System in principle and. the South African regime in general. Whilst she was in South Africa, I am sure she enjoyed all the benefits that are there to be enjoyed, as this would only be fitting for her race. From what she. has to say, I am left with the distinct impression that she . can only be a white supremacist of the lowest order, but she'll soon leam, just give her enough time and rope. My, my how it warms the hearts of all black South Afri-i cans "(the. concept and term of "Coloureds" is an offensive one designed and used 'by the Apartheid regime of South Africa) to know that she is "pleased that people here feel strongly" about Apartheid, now if only we could convince the white racists that rule South Africa how wrong they are everything would be xust hunky dory. Her scant disregard for the right of all black South Africans for self rule is an insult to their humanity. After decades of brutalising mistreatment to be told by some soft-centred cushy white liberal that "it is the white leaders who have power" is so clearly flippancy and arrogant stupidity. The whites in South Africa may hold the key to change, it is however, the Blacks who have the will to fight for change and the will to succeed. It is to be hoped that "Beaver" will carry a lengthy retraction of all that Ms Marshall has written and that her sentiments expressed in this filthy article are not wholly or partially held by any other member of the School. Yours, KOFI DWINFOUR, Treasurer, African Liberation Support Committee (Open). Sabbath sabotaged Dear Editors, SOMETHING else is wrong with the LSE Library. The practice of only allowing people to take books out after 4 pm on Fridays. This means that those students at LSE and there are plenty who keep the Jewish Sabbath are unable to take out books the entire winter. The solution is simple — the taking out hour must be moved back to noon on Friday. DINA RABINOVITCH BEAVER Newspaper of the London School of Economics Students' Union, East Building, Houghton Street, London WC2. Tel : 01-405-8594. Editors— CHRIS COLLETT PENNY MARSHALL and MATTHEW PRICE With thanks to— COLIN BATES MARGARET CAMERON-WALLER JEREMY ROSENBLATT NIC NEWMAN DINA RABINOVITCH NIGEL RACINE-JAQUES TIM JUDAH NICK FROMINGS DAVE BEARMAN Next Issue— MARCH 8th Copydate— MARCH 4th CAREERS SEMINAR THINKING ABOUT STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS ? Wednesday, March 17, 1982 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Do you want to learn what decisions you may have to take ? Do you have an idea for a product or a service ? Do you want to test its viability ? Do you wonder where you can raise the money ? STOY HAYWARD & CO (Chartered Accountant's) in co-operation with UNIVERSITY OF LONDON CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE have produced a.day programme designed to highlight the decisions you may have to face if you are thinking about starting your own business at some stage after leaving University. TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE OBTAIN DETAILS FROM YOUR CAREERS OFFICE , Awayday to Harrogate Dear Editors, THE recent UGM debate on sending a coach to Harrogate was both a waste of time and a waste of resources. A waste of time because nothing useful will be accomplished by the enterprise and a waste of resources because the human energy involved could have been directed towards a more fruitful venture. I do not believe that there are very many people in this School who actively believe in racism or view the continued employment of Andrew Brons at Harrogate Polytechnic with very great relish, however the best way of representing that opinion to both the National Front and the powers that employ Brons is not I believe through a remake of "Two Million Years BC". People going a-round shouting abuse at each other and once in while bopping each other on the head does the National Front and its vile ideology no end of good but achieves very little. In my opinion the best way of publicising the depth of feeling that exists on this issue is through a petition calling for Andrew Brons' dismissal. To this end, I met with the Union General Secretary last term. It was felt then that before a move towards a petition was made the General Secretary should approach the Secretary of State for Education, the Opposition spokesman. the NUS and various other groups and individuals so as to ascertain their views Unfortunately those who have had the courtesy to reply have on the whole been unsympathetic. For this reason I think it now necessary that we organise that petition in the School. The basic tenet of any petition should clearly be the removal of Andrew Brons and his ilk from any positions of power or influence within our education system. If conservative and moderate opinion be horrified by such 'a proposal it would serve well for them to be reminded of an episode not so very long ago. Here I allude specifically to that period immediately following the last world war when this country was responsible for the administration of North Western Germany. In those days the Education Department of the British Control, Commission saw it as their task to dismiss, weed out or otherwise remove teachers, lecturers and professors who had been activo members of the Nazi Party and who held overtly racist views. The question we should ask ourselves at this juncture in. time is if we believed such actions were necessary to protect a foreign society s» many years ago whether current circumstances may deem such policy necessary ia our country today? Apart from the aim of calling for the dismissal of Andrew Brons any petition ought to engage as wide support as possible. By this I mean that we do not simply involv* students at LSE but canvass support amongst teaching bodies, Unions, ancillary staff and individuals drawn from all walks of life. The main thrust being to make it absolutely clear that racists and their organisations have no place in education and that we do not wish to be taught by them, work with them or serve them in any way. The National Front and their other siste.tf racist organisations such as the League of St George are in my view the soiled underwear of our society and we must make them aware of this fact. To this end I 'believe that a petition is the best answer because above all it will represent for ajt time and be a public record of the strongly held feelings of ordinary people in society. For these reasons and many more I believe that a petition calling for the dismissal of Andrew Brons will be of greater value than any trip to Harrogate. A venture I might add fostered and led by the extreme Left, a group of people who if not quite the soiled underwear of society nevertheless make strong candidacy for being its vile excrement. CHRISTOPHER BUYERS PAGE 3 MEET THE EDITORS NOW that there has been a swift change of power, BEAVER considers the new group and assesses their suitability for the post. Penny Marshall Well known friend of Kofi Dwinfour. Shot to fame as Mrs Peacham in the Threepenny Opera. Holds exclusive soirees in downtown Earls Court to discuss Eliot and Lawrence. Frequents Brunch Bowl very regularly, as a member of the notorious Cameron and Waller Gang. Collects cuddly toys and was selected to . add some sexist glamour to the team. Penny is also a talented musician. Matthew Price n , !j Has excellent street cred—combat jacket, long hair, racing bike and lives in Brixton. Reading Sociology for intellectually relevant reasons that are totally incomprehensible to everyone «!Jse. Hides out in Passfield Hall. Deviant character illustrated fey fact that he is a member of the Labour Club. As a reflection " sanctions against South Africa, il we boycott its products ana its sport, then we can actively help rid our world of this evil. Apartheid depends on investment, trade and sport, and that is why we should actively campaign against such contacts/ The black movements argue for sanctions. Surely it is not for us to impose our policy and our solutions on to them, but rather for us to help the actual people in the struggle with their needs and in their policies. Miss Marshall rightly says that we should take our disgust at Apartheid "a step further", we must "put it into action" Cosy fire-side chats are not such a step further. It has been tried lor over 80 years. We cannot indefinitely close our eyes and ears to the suffering, whilsl pleading for mercy. It is time that we accepted the blacks in the matter, that we heed their advice; and help them in their struggle. It is time that we "show our condemnation through other means." Sterling Club THE Sterling C.ub commenced the term with a speech from Mr John Harwood, Director of Finance, Philips UK, Ltd. To an audience of over 100, Mr Harwood outlined the problems that the British electronics industry is encountering in terms ol accelerating technology, economic instability, increased competition (particularly from Japan) and varying political factors. The raising of finance in a multinational company was explained and this provoked a good discussion on the topic. The following are future events of the Sterling Club : Sir Derek Ezra, the Chairman of the NCB, will address the Club on "The New Coal Industry" on Thursday, 18th Feb at 1 pm in the New Theatre. Sir Monty Finniston will deliver a speech on 11th March and Sii John Cuckney on the 17th March. Everyone is welcome to attend any of these events. Any queries regarding the Club, please contact Greame Griffiths through the Accounting Department. , PS: The Club is holding a Sherry Party on Tuesday, 16th February at 6.00 pm in the Law and Accountancy Study Room. A306. PAGE 6 0 IN the cent L biz spe dignatio and fo Poland, can soc Counter Salvado fit. Its analysis through to raise (See abi Unless human, have rig The e Old The of the Another a few rr dramatic drew pa claratior tives be ment's i It highli Junta a: allegatio ing to tb on the recent ; proveme own am the uns imaginal mass sla lies, Ul bishops alike, what is The d film oft'i four dii represen vador I WORLD REPORT.... WORLD RCPORT.... WORLD REPORT_____WORLD REPORT. ...WO ...IN GROWTH... LAST May notices around the LSE were advertising an eleven-day tour of the German Democratic Republic at the comparatively low price of £121 inclusive. Two LSE students took up the offer. One of them was Andrew Garrett . . . On llth July we set off on our Interflug flight bound for Berlin (Easti via Leipzig. The-flight to Leipzig itself was over two hours long since we had to fly over the -southern part of the Danish peninsular in order to avoid the airspace of the Federal Republic, doubling the distance travelled. Since the introduction of 'Ostpoli-tik' in 1971, relations between East and West Germany have eased but many oddities such as this still remain. From Leipzig we flew as a group of seven in a small Illyushin plane with only the cabin crew to entertain us. There are not many parts of the world where you find yourself sipping Bulgarian brandy on an internal flight. In Berlin we stayed in a very large hostel near the zoo. The hostel was full of voung Russians, Poles. Bulgarians and Czechs but there was also a group of protected Americans who were learning German. We stayed there for several days and besides seeing the sights (we had an excellent guide), we had some contact with the Free German Youth (FDJi and Trade Unions. We met a woman trade-unionist who represented the interests of a large number of private enterprises (firms with fewer than eleven employees are not in state hands). She enjoyed her job. feeling that it was very important, and she didn't fill us with unnecessary propaganda. Later in the evening we went to a reception laid on for our group by the FDJ. It proved something of a embarrassment as only half of our party turned up. In a disco atmosphere we had a chance to socialise with teachers, factory officials and party workers. The trip was not all talks and discussions: later during our tour we went to a car maintenance factory in Frankfurt - an - der - Oder (right on the Polish border), where we drank coffee, spoke to the mechanics and toured the works. While we were at the works the subject of Britain's riots and economic problems was brought up. I found making a healthy case for Britain difficult in what appeared to be a very stable country. From the banks of the River Oder we saw Poland and an ominous Polish patrol boat. Frankfurt-an-der-Oder has a Friendship Bell which stands on the river bank to remind the Poles that peaceful times are here to stay. We were shown around the town by two members of the FDJ. Frankfurt is not a beautiful town but I was impressed by the way that they had so much pride in its achievements. From a more 'touristy' point of view we saw the sights of Berlin, and went to a concert performed by a British jazz band. Berlin boasts the Pergamon Museum (in fact there is a Museum Island), an Opera House, the Alexander Platz, Old Berlin and a new sports centre—the list is endless. We also visited Potsdam and Leipzig before we had to leave for London. We spent two days just outside Berlin in a holiday camp but though the weather was miserable we did get a good chance to go cycling and make a few social contacts. The camp held a good cross-section of Eastern European visitors and was situated by a. lake in very-pleasant surroundings. Whilst there we could not help but notice the eating habits of the Poles; not only did they eat so much meat, they put some' in bags to take away with them (there was a se^-service system). It really did bring home to us how serious the situation is in Poland. There are no apparent grain or meat shortages in the GDR; if anything, I would say that there was a general overabundance. Probably the most serious part of the whole trip was the visit to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. It is a memorial of dignity, a memorial that is simple. It has been developed in such a way that afterwards one's mind is left with a better understanding of the Nazi atrocities that occurred there from the outset of persecution.. Of course, after eleven days I only saw part of the GDR. I do not profess to having met a real worker in his humble flat but I do at least have a feeling for the country. The GDR has a future and you can feel it by talking to people. There is not a rat-race for jobs, and personal respect and dig-ity, remain. On the other hand, certain freedoms of individual choice and development are restricted by a strong centralised socialist system. Defence and internal security expenditure is high, and families remain divided between the two Germanies. Those who are interested in Eastern Europe should look out for this sort of tour and have a first-hand view. ANDREW GARRETT MAKING cities is something of a national hobby in Israel. Recently I spent a week with some enthusiasts of the craft to see how it works. Twenty-five years ago a group of emigrants from Morocco and Tasmania arrived in Israel. One of many such arrivals they were allocated a plot of land, shown to their portakabins and told that the land was theirs to do with as they would. Like others before them and others since they put down roots in the new homeland and grew a city. Today that city is called $Netivot — a development town. As a development town Netivot qualifies for assistance from the State, part of which arrives in the form of girls doing Army or National Service. The girls help out in the schools, nurseries and youth centres mainly, but are also assigned particular families to assist. Rikki is an English girl doing National Service in Netivot. Through her I got the sights and sounds of the city —¦ and that is what this article is, simply a very few impressions of a town that can still be seen to be developing — something incredibly exciting, but, in the case Netivot, an experience tinged with bitterness that comes from the knowledge that this town's considered a failure. In a look at the World about us, BEAVER brings you the human race, IN PROSPERITY... However, what outsiders think doesn't have to affect the happiness of the inhabitants. But, for the record, the little city is considered a failure for reasons such as the slowness of the people to adapt to the modern world. For example, a school for adult illiterates (a bas_ic necessity in this community as there was no education for girls in Morocco) was established only 3 years ago. The school holds daytime classes for the women. Those who come attend once or twice a week only — but most of the women don't turn up at all, scared of their husbands' wrath at this venturing out of the home. The older generation of women in Netivot (which only means about 30-40 years old) look like munchkins, or maybe cottage loaves. Difficult to describe, but The children have the same discipline. Apart from the token, say 12 juvenile deinquents who dutifully gather in the town square each night, playing out a role they've culled from the twenty-year old films that the Netivot cinema shows — apart from these, most of the youngsters in Netivot are incredibly good. Pinchas is the eldest of 17 children. His parents were among the original group of settlers and his father started the first shop. The father is now dead, and though Pinchas yearns for university, he mans the shop instead. At night Pinchas is one of the sounds of Netivot. He has just achieved a life's ambition and bought a sports car, which he drives around from the second the shop closes, making every conceivable noise the car is. capable of. Pinchas is also responsible for another of the current sounds in Netivot — a sound that was banned some years ago in England. Remember "clackers"? A wooden ball at each end of a rope, which, when pulled taut, bang together? Well. Pinchas stumbled on a cache of the toys, and now they're all the rage in Netivot, For the visitor in town, it's just another bemusing symptom of having been thrown back about ten years. The point about Netivot is the odd mixture of backwardness and affluence. There is no shortage of money. Rather sweet stories like that of Pinchas, with that unmistakable feel of having been written by a scriptwriter for the Waltons, should not really be a part of Is- rael in 1982. The old-world mentality has its benefits — where it has prevailed it has shaped a loving, caring community. But elsewhere in Netivot the youngsters are kicking, trying to achieve by force what their parents don't really want — the jump into the 20th century. Mind you, even that jump may come too late —> by the time it happens the 21st will be upon us. OINA RABINOVITCH you get the idea. They have young faces perched atop round, round child-bearing bodies. Very child-bearing. Most were married at the age of twelve and the average family has ten children. Quite a few of the families are above average. It is a proof of male prowess. However, when the immigrants arrived in Israel the doctors forbid marriage of girls under the age of 17 for health reasons. Now the daughters marry at 21 or even later. Their mothers are prosaic: "Look, in Morocco it was considered shameful not to have a husband by the age of 12. Here it is considered shameful to marry before 18. You must do what is right." IT.... WORLD REPORT.... WORLD REPORT.... WORLD REPORT.... WORLD REPORT.. IN the wake of Reagan's recent US/UK/TURKEY show biz spectacular expressing indignation over human rights and foreign intervention in Poland, the LSE Latin American society staged a humble Counter-Spectacular, a "Let El Salvador be El Salvador" benefit. Its purpose was to offer an analysis of the present situation through a film and speakers and to raise money for FMLN-FDR. (See above). Unless Salvadoreans are not human, they presumably also have rights. The evening started in a full Old Theatre with the projection of the film "El Salvador — Another Vietnam ?" Made only a few months ago, and unmelo-dramatic in its approach, it drew parallels between the declarations, methods, and motives behind the US government's actions ; then and now. It highlighted the tactics of the Junta and its US allies : false allegations of Communist backing to the guerillas, false reports on the situation like Reagan's recent announcement of "improvement"' denied even by his own ambassador, but above all the unstoppable, almost unimaginable scale of killing—the mass slaughter of peasant families, US missionaries, archbishops and revolutionaries alike. In today's El Salvador what is going on is a genocide. The discussion following the film offered information from four different viewpoints: A representative of FMLN, Salvador Honcada, stressed the ... AND IN ANGUISH... popular basis of the struggle for self-determination and the importance of international aid and support if they are to succeed. The support, he told us, of "people like you". Jon Snow, a journalist recently returned from El Salvador, gave an eyewitness account of curfew streets where no-one dares move outside the military, where very few journalists venture, and where bodies are left by the roadside in a state "inconceivable to British minds." Jenny Pierce, a specialist on Central America and the Caribbean and author of the book : "Under the Eagle", put the Sal: vador Moncada, stressed the tive, reminding that little-known Guatamala knows much the same problems as El Salvador — US investments are in fact stronger there, and guerilla offensives more numerous. She also emphasised the traditionally imperialist nature of US involvement. So, we were more "informed". El Salvador exists, El Salvador is being torn apart. But how do you describe that feeling of simultaneous awareness of a situation and helplessness to react ? I cannot, but it made the next contribution welcome i Bob of the El Salvador Solidar- | ity Campaign, gave an outline of what we in Britain can do. Incidentally, the El Salvador Committee for Human Rights is also fairly active ; for information on either contact the Latin American Society through its pigeonhole (or LSE Amnesty). There has also been a move to create an El Salvador Committee at LSE—all welcome. Anyway, to end a successful evening it was good to be able to tell Salvador Moncada that we raised more than £1,000 for the FMLN. God knows they need it. HABIE SCHWARZ Some gruesome facts . . . "AMNESTY International is gravely concerned about the safety of Elga Barrena, aged 15, Saul Luis Lopez Cornejo, aged 17, and Carlos Garcia Mejias aged 20, all of whom have recently been seized by the Salvadorean Security forces. Their whereabouts are now unknown and there are fears that they may be tortured and killed... " — (Amnesty International Urgent Action 16-11-81) "One evening last May in El Salvador, children scavenging on a rubbish tip discovered a victim of murder (by the security forces) ... the spectacle before the children, one of whom went missing as a result of what she saw, derived from an especially demonic imagination : a pregnant woman had been slit open, the foetus torn away and the head of her lover inserted in its place. —(J. Pilger "The Slaughter of El Salvador") Recent events in Poland while generating widespread disapproval in Western Europe and the United States and renewing public concern about human rights, have tended to divert public attention from the continuing horrors being perpetuated by the military junta upon the people of El Salvador. Since January 1980, approximately 30,000 El Salvadorean civilians have been slaughtered —18,000 of them verified with names, dates and photographs by thfe EI Salvador Human Rights Commission and the Legal Aid Service of the Archdiocese of San Salvador and many others rendered unidentifiable by the Security Forces through the use of corrosive phospherous based chemicals applied to the faces of the victims. A continual flow of refugees (there are 70,000 at present in Honduras alone) escape the barbaric excesses of the government forces and their related Death Squads into the neighbouring Central American states. Within El Salvador itself there is a systematic pattern of human rights violations: imprisonment without trial, torture, rape, disappearance and cold blooded murder. These are being carried out by the El Salvadorean Security forces and are directed against people involved in the escalating civ^l conflict between guerilla groups and the Military regime. As recently as January 28th the Guardian carried a report of the Massacre of the entire community of Mozote by the El Salvadorean army troops — including' several hundred women and children. While the ogres of unemployment. racism, sexism, and the threat of nuclear war have a more direct influence on our lives as students in Britain, the violations of human rights in El Salvador (and throughout the world) are no less real nor abhorrent nor are they any less worthy of our attention, concern and condemnation. PAUL ROUTLEDGE EL SALVADOR'S PEOPLE NEED YOUR SUPPORT EL SALVADOR'S PEOPLE NEED YOUR SUPPORT Today in El Salvador there is a state of war between two belligerent forces: the security forces of the U.S. backed military-civilian Junta and the popular forces united in the FMLN-FDR. Today the popular forces control a considerable proportion of the country. The government owes its survival to U.S. military and economic support. The U.S. justifies its intervention with the claim that the conflict in El Salvador is the result of "external subversion". The fight in El Salvador is not an East/West conflict as the U.S. State Department claims. The following figures explain why the whole population is fighting for democracy and change. — In an agricultural country, 2% of the population own 60% of the arable land, while 40% of the peasants have no land at all. — Half the National Income goes to 8% of the population. Growing unemployment affects 40% of the economically active population, but only 16% have work all the year round. — 58% of the population must live on about £5 a month. — The country has the lowest calorie intake per head in Latin America (half of the World Health Organisation Minimum). — 73% of the children under five suffer from malnutrition, 1 in 4 dies before reaching the age of five. — 3 doctors for every 10,000 inhabitants. — Over half the population is illiterate (60%). — Vi million people in the capital, San Salvador, live in paper and cardboard huts with little access to drinking water and electricity. — 61% of the population lacks sanitation facilities. WHAT IS THE FMLN-FDR? The Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) is formed by the five guerrilla organisations that are leading the fight against the military dictatorship. The FMLN is allied to the Revolutionary Democratic Front (FDR), a broad alliance of political organisations; it includes christian and social democrats, professionals, some business sectors, the Universities, Trade Unions and mass organisations of workers and peasants. The FMLN-FDR alliance is overwhelmingly supported by the Salvadorean people whose aspirations are expressed in its government programme. The FMLN-FDR controls extensive areas of the Salvadorean territory, where the civilian population are building a new local power, agricultural production continues, and health and literacy programmes are being implemented. The FMLN-FDR are fighting to overthrow the dictatorship and establish a Revolutionary Damocratic Government. ?orld men-- where it ipecj a lov-But else-ingsters are 'e by force n't really o the 20th sven that ;e — by e 21st will MOVITCH Tious part the visit concentra--ial of dig-simple. It uch a way ind is left ing of the rred there ;cution. n days I DR. I do let a real lat but I lg for the a future talking to it-race for t and dig-tier hand, individual ,re restrict d socialist internal high, and between e who are ipe should tour and Background The Central American Republic of El Salvador has been ruled by the military since 1931. Poverty, repression, and the denial of the most elementary human rights has been the reality for the great majority of the Salvadorean people since that time. The Salvadorean people have used all the peaceful means to achieve change, but have always met with electoral frauds and .repression. In the 1970's a broad popular movement developed that seriously challenged the established system of injustice. In 1979 the United States planned the coup d'etat which brought to power a military-civilian Junta in order to try and destroy the growing popular movement by means of limited reforms combined with the most extreme repression in the country's history. The record of the Salvadorean government speaks for itself. According to Human Rights Agencies it was directly responsible for 10,000 political murders in 1980, and 16,000 in 1981. In the last two years more than half a million Salvadoreans, from a total population of 4.8 million, have become refugees to escape government repression. IARRETT LONDON ARTS 0 PIERS PAUL READ THE ROSENBLATT INTERVIEW ONE of the most likeable aspects of Piers Paul Read is the absence of smugness or elitism that too often sets in among the hierarchy of English novelists ; such aloofness and ignorance of a real world is no part of his jnake-up. The son of a writer it wasn't until his student.days were over when he had to find another title to insert under "occupation" on his passport that he determined within himself to become a writer. "Besides the obvious reasons such as writing poetry when young, I think that to a large extent I began writing because when you're not asserting yourself socially and thus lacking in Self-confidence, you turn to the pen.'' ' He has travelled extensively, especially around Germany where many of his novels are set. ''The Junkers" which earned him considerable critical acclaim tells the story of World "War II from the point of view of the other side. "Polonnaise" and "The Professor's Daughter" are also set there. "Are your books to any extent autobiographical ?" "Take the Upstart" for instance. I attended a public school and Hilary, the main character, also did, and we both loathed the experience. But Hilary hated his father while I adored mine, my mother was a German musician while his mother had a totally different character. There are some instances of autobiography in my writing, yes." "The Villa Golitsyn", Mi-Read's latest book, is set in Nice which he visited for quite some time with his wife and family. Set in the oldw parts of Nice it tells of a meeting between old school friends twenty years on, their reactions towards each other, their changes in character. It received a quiet reception when it was published and I wondered if Piers Paul Read, himself a critic, was affected in any way by an unfavourable review. "As a book I wasn't too happy with it myself and so 1 was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too badly received." "Writing can be quite a difficult process, will you be able to go on and on writing ?" "When you are young inspiration comes much more easily because things are new to you and you will then have more to say. There is a danger that 1 can go Over the same ground, similar themes that I have already written about." Whenever he has had his (ill of fiction Mr Read turns to non-fiction. He in fact read History at Cambridge. "Alive, the Story of the Andes Survivors," was written after the air crash in the Andes mountains and is a true account of the survivors' means of staying alive until they were eventually found by rescuers. Among British novelists there seems to be far more female than male novelists; there is also a distinct lack of male novelists writing on social themes such as marriage, children, divorce from the male view. "A Married Man" perhaps disproves this contention. "I don't see myself particularly as a social novelist but since that book was about a man's problems in marriage I know what yeu mean. But it is especially interesting as a book now because of the rise of the SDP. When it was written in 1973 the idea of the socialist middle-classes was still a shaky one and had not become a great force. ,Incidentally it is currently being (limed for a Chan- NT Ignorance of a real-world is no part of his make-up. nel Four presentation." John Strickland, barrister, bored with married life and wary of middle age and the increasing tedium that his profession involves decides instead to become a Labour MP. Piers Paul Read as a married" man enjoys married life. "Beca use writing is a lonely job you tend only to come across your own family." The outside world too often assumes that fame brings hap- piness ; too many writers in fact live solely for their typewriters • and themselves in continual search for their inner selves. But I gathered that it was Piers Paul Read's sense of proportion and feelings that for instance he is happy to be married which for so-called "trendy" people is hardly the done thing, that seriously makes him a cut above the rest. "The Villa Golitsyn", Piers Paul Read's latest publication appeared last year, price £6.95, publisher, Seeker & Warburg. I-WAS slightly puzzled during the performance of Eric Idle's first stage play, "PASS THE BUTLER". After seeing his earlier TV and.film, material, including various Monty Python sketches and the spoof "Rutles" documentary, I expected something a little different. Although the play was very funny in places, it lacked some of the destructive wit which originally se impresed me with Eric Idle. Instead of the scurrilous satire I , had expected, I was confronted by a relatively conventional- West End farce with Butler needs life-support added bad taste. The play, now running at the "GLOBE"' on Shaftesbury Avenue, is centred around a heart-attack victim (the Minister of Defence) being kept alive by a life-support machine. Although this theme continues throughout the play, the plot is constantly disrupted by absurd diversions. The effect of this is only to destroy the stylishness that Idle is trying so hard to create. Eventually it degenerates into a "whodunnit" and finishes with a series of haphazard twists. It was interesting that "Pass the Butler" opened during the same week as the LSE production of Joe Orton's "What the Butler Saw". The similarity between the two plays is not only in the names. The incest and transvestism scene and the elegant witticisms of "Pass the, Butler" seem almost to have been copied out of Orton's play. The difference lies in a constant theme ; Orton's whole plot revolves around sexual deviations whereas Idle's is a hotchpotch of sketches about different subjects. precariously linked by the life-support theme. Overall, the play is amusing, scattered with hit-and-miss jokes on a variety of subjects, and is never stilted. The acting itself is fairly good, but not excellent — Willie Rushton seems wasted. However, if you want to see an above-average West End farce with quite; a few laughs, then "Pass the Butler" is worth a look. I feel that Eric Idle has mellowed in his middle-age and now wishes to present a more respectable front to the general public. He would never have appeared on the Parkinson show ten, or even two years ago. NICK FROMINGS A PLAY with high boredom potential, Pedro Calderon De La Barca's Mayor of Zalamea is a successful. entertaining and contemplative play. It is set in the Spain of the seventeenth century of which Calderon was such an acute observer both of its development and social mores. The Mayor of Zalamea centres not surprisingly on. the person of the title and his preoccupation with the all important Spanish code of "honour". The Mayor of this obscure extremaduran village on-road to Portugal is not an aristocrat or gentleman, as we understand the term, but a proud and self-made man of peasant origins; his pride at no point crosses the obscure frontier into arrogance and thus he is contrasted with some of the officers and men of the army to whom he gives hospitality on their way to Portugal ; the degeneration of the aristocratic ideal is exposed, and honour is shown to be the consequence and prerogative of moral integrity regardless of class. Spain's Golden Age is shown to be rather less than universal. Michael Bryant is an excellent "mayor" and the play is & successful mix of spectacular swrordsmanship, buffoonery, fun and serious social comment. No wonder its alternative name is "The best garrotting ever done." TIMOTHY (JUBAH DANCE IN the triple bill that the Royal Ballet is dancing it is "My Brother, My Sisters" with Mac-millans poignant choreography that is the highlight of the evening. The games that the family as children played are still being played even as adults in the grown up world ; jealousies of one another never die but seem to continue. Bryony Brind as the envious hateful sister dances brilliantly as she did in "The Afternoon of a Faun", Ashley Page leaps with great athleticism and technically he is very good though perhaps he is lacking in feeling. "Les Patineurs" is ballet in its traditional form which ,is in itself pleasant, yet lifeless. David Peden must be pointed out for his great sense of fun and comedy that he brings into his dance. Overall what with its old looking costumes and scenery it needs a great deal of work on it. FILM FOCUS BRIBING IN THE BRONX Monsters, manuals and the money supply SIDNEY LUMET'S superbly accurate and in-depth examination of police corruption, PRINCE OF THE CITY, is the type of "cop" film which has been needed for a long time. As Dan Ciello, Treat Williams is drawn into an enquiry on police corruption with the promise of fame and a clear conscience, but immediately things start to go wrong as his partners become involved. -Even Ciello is threatened with prosecution for serious offences. The relationship between police and hoodlums is examined along with the hypocritical and often ignorant attitudes of the authorities. Faced with increasing crime rates, they attack the police, who then look to the criminals for advice as the authorities increasingly become the real enemy. Lumet admits to corruption in the force but when it is compared with that in business or in the courts, while not acceptable it is at least understandable. Williams is excellent as the young cop with a wife and family, seeing all begin to collapse around him, until it seems that nothing can get him out of the problem. Anyone participating in the current trend of "police-bash-ing" (by word or deed) should see this film. Even if you do not sympathise with the police you may understand them a little better after this production. A more romantic and shallow approach to the same subject is currently on offer in FORT APACHE, THE BRONX, but with Paul Newman, liberal amounts of sex and violence and humour, it cannot help but be a box-office success. Newman plays a beat cop who never made the grade, leaving him cynical and convinced that it is only the likes of him that keeps the city on its feet. However, the film falls into the same trap that has snared most TV cop series. Newman is portrayed as the cop/ superhero, preventing suicides, disarming hoodlums, delivering a baby and starting a riot all in a matter of days. Although we are told that the script was based on the story of two policemen in the Bronx, I expect their careers spanned years rather than days. It is simply inaccurate to portray police work as one big adventure story. The rather weak plot around which these events take place is based on Newman's witnessing of a police murder and his soul-searching on whether to report it to his superiors. The film tends to end just where Prince of the City begins. Having said that, there are not going to be many more opportunities to see Newman in such roles and it is worth seeing the film just for his typically smooth performance and some very telling shots of life in the Bronx. S, MEADOWS ARTHUR C. CLARK'S MYSTERIOUS WORLD Simon Welfare & John Fairley 320pp. Fontana, £4.50. BASED on the Yorkshire TV series of the same title, this book presents a comprehensive round-up of what Mr Clarke calls "Mysteries of the Second Kind"'; strange occurrences for which many explanations have since been advanced. Topics covered include yetis, sea creatures, ancient stones, UFOs and objects dropping from the sky. The two ghost writers provide the text and current explanations of the subject and the science-fiction writer adds his thoughts to the end of each section. Comprehensively illustrated, in the manner of the same publisher's "Life on Earth", based on another TV series, the contents are well-presented but like the TV series the book leaves the reader with an unsatisfied hunger. In a large part, this can be put down to the subject matter; if convincing explanations had been found the subjects! would not hold such fascination for us. Having said that, the book gives us nothing new'and comes over as a fairly drab account of what those sufficiently interested in the subject will have read elsewhere. One cannot help but feel that five years ago this book would have been published as a large-format, glossy-covered hardback ; no doubt a sign of the tifnes. One cannot also help but feel that it would have ended up a couple of years latei on a "remaindered" pile in W. H. Smith's sporting an "Only 99p" price tag. 10 x ECONOMICS Peter Donaldson 182pp. Pelican, £1.50. Peter Donaldson's previous book, "Economics of the Real World" has probably been crammed down the throat of every A-Level student of the last five years, and his latest effort will probably follow the same path to "fame". The book is subtitled "A Simple Guide to the Economics of the Early Eighties" and picks on ten "hot potato" topics along the lines of public expenditure, downfall of Keynesianism, the squandering of North Sea Oil and the de-industrialisation of Britain. Its main appeal to .university students lies mainly in the fact that it is up to date in its facts and figures, where text-books are notorious for lagging. Also, the author does propose some radical ways of breaking out of the current economic predica- ment, similar in outline to those mentioned by J. K. Galbraith in his recent lecture at the LSE. Having said that, the writer accepts that his main market is for non-economists who want some insight into what is really going on around them, and may well serve a useful purpose by stimulation, a bit more interest in the subject and breaking down the cliches that abound in the economic world of today. (The book is also connected with a series produced by Yorkshire TV due to be shown this year). A MANUAL FOR WRITERS Kate L. Turabin 228pp. Heinmann, £3.95. American readers will no doubt be familiar with this book, which for many years has provided the guidelines for the production and presentation of papers and dissertations in the United States. This is the first British edition, prepared by J. E. Spink of the College of Librarianship, Wales. For the uninitiated, the book is a complete guide to structure, abbreviations, punctuation, spelling and other matters of style, which besides being invaluable to conscientious writers at all levels, would also help out ignorant BEAVER columnists. COLIN BATES! Drama festival THE pinnacle of dramatic activity this year; Thursday lunchtime excluded, is the LSE Drama Festival planned for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of March. In keeping with the ambitous and highly success-, ful production so far staged here and with the spirit of innovation' unchecked, the menu will be wide-ranging and controversial. Our two entries for the "London' University Drama Festival" will be staged here in the first couple of days. One is an Amercan play dealing with the problems of unemployment in the Depression, thus providing relevent insight into our own major problem with it here and now.: "Waiting Foe Lefty" by Clifford Odets. The other is a rather more literary piece: "Sylvia Plath—A Dramatic Portrait" a selection of her prose and poetry collected in a biographical account of her life, leading up to her tragis suicide. The writings .were compiled by Barry Kyle. Not content with using othec people's plays we are also fostering some home grown talent, with a review by Nick Fromings. David Sul-kin of the Royal Court will lead an improvisation session with a focus on the problems facing youth in theatre today. As is true of all student organizations, this Drama Festival and the arranged activities require, your support. You are the audience, and our "Raison d'etre." So do please come along, and give us your support. WITNESSES URGENTLY NEEDED ON Monday, November 23rd, ten PCL students were arrested in scuffles with the police outside the Regent Street building. They were Pat Bryden, Conn O'Neill, David Bate, Laurie McDowell, Louise Ramsey, Jackie Barron, R. Taylor, T. Wardley, M. Hill and C. Everard. Were you there ? Did you witness anything of the arrests or see anything which might be helpful to those arrested ? Did you take any photos ? If so please contact Ged Hearn or Christine Halpin of PCL Students' Union urgently. MONSTERS OF THE DEEP The sea serpent seen by the frigate HMS Daedalus between .the Cape of Good Hope and St Helena on 6 August, 1948 Due to rail strike we i apologise to Drama Society for not reviewing their play PAGE 10 0 *EI1TS* W to III 0£ L (L 0 h tf) , y uz y hi ss U IL z ? K < h Ul K u < y o 10 j j o u 8 s w (0 Ul y y 3 iy (A y z > K NEVER MIND THE BOOGIE ____feel the potential TOO many bands were scheduled for" the night's entertainment, far too many for even Joe Average let alone for the distinguished panel of judges who had the awesome task of critically assessing each one, particularly as the tiny amount of | time available for soundchecks ensured an abysmal sound quality for most of the bands. The first band on — always [ the most difficult spot — were "International Rescue" who did really well for a band with just ! two rehearsals. What they lacked in technique they made up for in catchy songs, a bouncy stage personality and zippy suits. SCORE: 105. "Lemon and Curd" followed, probably the most left-field of the beat combo's on offer. Using rhythm boxes and. bass and guitar they mocked trendy lefties and football supporters and anyone else who was unlucky enough to come under their gaze. "We are solid" was a pretty whizzo song. "Though it sounded too much like the White Brothers." SCORE : 93. "Magic Red Robin Band" were all stoned out of their box. The end of the set should have been closer to the beginning -'by about IS minutes). Perhaps if I had been as stoned as the band, I'd have liked them ! SCORE : 19. "U;tra Vires" were dull but the audience were bound to enjoy their clever bland "Pop Style". Without better songs they have recognition, all senses. SCORE: 104. little chance A student band of in "The Slugs" were the most energetic of the groups. Excellent songs, but not "hip" enough for the discerning NME readers and not vapid enough for the rest. One of the guitarists wore a dress and the lead singer leapt into the audience and grappled with a female friend. Great potential. The audience loved them, or hated them and therefore their position suffered in the marks. SCORE : 99. "Alternative Clique" followed The Slugs and were pretty passionless. "Very tight and professional" but with few songs to match. . SCORE : 101. "I Glorious": Malicious rumours had this band fixed to win. This may not be true but the audience certainly liked them. Far too clever (as opposed t® intelligent) for their own. good, but this didn't stop XTC from doing well enough. Interesting to see how they fair in the QMT semi-final. SCORE: 124. "Ohne Verwaltung" played the worst version of Sister Ray that I've ever heard. Dull was a pretty good word for them — if a little understated. SCORE: 17. Good luck to "I Glorious" aad "International Rescue" v/h® carry the reputation of the I.SE out to the world. GARY BLATFSH THE TRIP: General outlook As individuals, we have always found the music of the iate '60s interesting—our aim is to bring the ideas of that period into the '80s. We are looking for a fair record contract and are speaking to various companies. THE TRIP are CLIVE GREGORY - Vocals & Bass BEN COOPER - Guitar The new psychedelic movement has encouraged us but we do not associate closely with it as we consider the "movement" to be too formal. We are managing ourselves but expect to find a full-time manager in the very near future. ANTHONY ETHERTON - Drums end Percussion DAVE ROBERTS - Keyboards See them Wednesday 24th Feb —FREE Three Tuns Bar 9 0 PAGE II IT'S RAG '82 Passfield Radio LAST year's 52 hour marathon raised £250. This year the organisers are aiming at £400 and 60 hours : From Friday 19th Feb (afternoon) till Midnight Sunday, 21st Feb. Programmes planned include: . Fact Scandal Special Heavy Rock Show Sports and results show Sabbatical hustings - Youth cultures Keir Hopley's Classical show Live on air disco New 13' mile transmitter FM 103. Anyone interested in doing programmes contact Nic Newman E206. Government warning : The station is illegal (but fun). Mit squad WHO would YOU like to see covered in foam, water etc ? Bookings taken in E204 (anonymity guaranteed). HATES 50p — Ordinary £1.00 — "Special" £2.00 — Executive Members £5.00 — Lecturers and sabbaticals £50.00 — The Director Events Tuesday, 23rd February RAG J 8 2 AJLEXI SAYLE i\H CONCERT PLUS Robert Redford in "The Electric Horseman" £1.W Adv. £1.25 Door RAG '82 A -RilP ROARING JSAG REVUE AN EVENING OF MUSftCAl MADNESS PLUS SCANDALOUS SKETCHES Wednesday, 24th and Thursday 25th February featuring : ACADEMICS SABBATICALS PLUS GENERALTHARGS Pius Free Psychedelic Pop The Trip (WEDNESDAY ONt¥) Friday, 19th February— PASSFIELD RADIO — VALENTINE'S DAY DISCO (AlmostJ Rosebery Hall, 8 pm-1.30 am. 50p Saturday, 20th February— PASSFJELD RADIO — PASSFIELD DISCO plus RAFFLE. 8 pm - 1 am. 30p Sunday, 21st February— PASSFIELD RADIO — CARR - SAUNDERS THREE - LEGGED PUB CRAWL Monday, 22nd February— TUG OF WAR — LUNCHTIME, HOUGHTON STREET NIGHT PORTERS' DARTS MATCH — Three Tuns Bar Tuesday, 23rd February— ALEXI SAYLE IN CONCERT plus FILM, "The Electric Horseman", with Robert Redford. £1.00 adv, £1.50 door Wednesday, 24th February— STREET COLLECTION, 8 am - 4 pm, City of London CARR SAUNDERS LEAPFROG (see Steve Bradley, Rm 226) RAG REVUE plus "THE TRIP", Three Tuns Bar CHARITY CRICKET Thursday, 25th February— WELLY-THROWING — 12 noon, Houghton Street RAG REVUE — Three Tons Bar Friday, 26th February— AISEC HITCH-HIKE TO PARIS CARR - SAUNDERS RAG DISCO. 8 pm - 1.30 am. 50p Saturday, 27th February— RAG BALL NICKY HORNE plus ALL-STAR DJ CAST FILMS, "Jaws" and "Star Wars" THE SKANK ORCHESTRA CHEAP BEER, RAFFLE, MASSIVE DISCO. Sunday, 28th February— ROSEBERY FIVE-A SIDE FOOTBALL FOR 10 HOURS Thursday, 4th March— CELEBRITY CHESS ALL WEEK- SALE OF BADGES plus RAG MAGS plus T-SHIRTS plus OTHER MERCHANDISE HIT SOUAD RAFFLE WITH MASSIVE PRIZES THE RAG BAIL THE RAG BALL : Feb 27th, 7*3* pm, late bar, cheap beer. NICKY HORNE Plus GUEST CAPITAL DJ Plus THE SKANK ORCHESTRA JAWS/STAR WARS OK, so I've broken LSE's tradition of booking big bands for the Rag Ball. The reasons : (a) I believe a Rag Bal] should make money, not lose it. (b) I am not interested in playing at being Harvey Goldsmith. (1) Nick Home is the best DJ on Capital Radio. (2) This is a real Disco roadshow, not your normal ENTS affair. (3) The two films are block busters. (4) The Skank Orchestra are brilliant. (5) Beer will he half price and late bar. (6) The ticket price is only £1.50 adv., £2.00 door. Please M.I.N.D. come and support The Skank Orchestra ; Tfo® George Canning (Brixton) Saturday, 6th February. I have seen so many bands in. the last six months that I am fast becoming immune to them, so it has to be something really; special to appeal to me. The Skank Orchestra really appeal. The Venue, a cosmopolitan pub in the centre of Brixton ; hot and sweaty — excessive beer prices. For all that the Skank Ofchestra excited me. They are Reggae based, hut totally original. Jimmy Page, guitar riffs, two girl singers with exceptionally good voices, interesting keyboards, a dynamic stage presence, a massive variety of musical styles and. three different lead singer^ all make for a band which is definitely going places. The Skank Orchestra have-t# be seen to be believed. PAGE 12 Dave Knight's Football Focus WITH the last issue's football article, indeed the whole A.U. page being- sacrificial to the cultural clap trap of the Rosenblatt interview, a great deal of information on the fates and fortunes of our five-asides has yet to be imparted. Not that it is likely to be recalled here, as my dim Billy Beaumontized brain is hardly about to remember events that span back before the big freeze and Christmas, and if truth be told there are some things preferred to remain forgotten. For instance, one iust does not talk about the fact that all five teams slid ignominiously from their respective cup competitors in the very first round, and that the exits of some teams were distinctly more painful than others. When the seconds go down 1-5 to Imperial Thirds, one's toleration of their mediocrity does rea.ch its limits, but the fiasco of the firsts was perhaps even harder to beat. Having gone through the rigorous physical and mental preparations that are customary of our premier side, they forgot the Kit and went out by default. Oh well, the cup competitors are •enly so much as showbiz and glamour, anyway, and now we can concentrate on the bread and butter stuff of football; the league. Only by the incessant arranging and playing of league fixtures, week in, week out (as my good friend Bill Shankly used to say "Ee it's no a spirit but a motivation"), can one fully appreciate the ioys of that perennial problem; actually Managing to get a team out with XI men. All credit to fifths' skipper Paul Jackson for perfecting the ancient technique of press-ganging into his side any poor soul who happens to be hanging around Houghton Street on a Wednesday afternoon. (This did not, however, prevent a rather large defeat at the hands of Middlesex Hospital). Charles Downie of the R.A.F. moustache and fourth team captain, was by contrast, an embittered and disillusioned man as he fielded only nine men and no goalkeeper, against the mighty firepower of Imperial. Despite great efforts Downie's crew went down 5-4 In a BASKETBALL: CUP TRIUMPH CAPS EXCELLENT SEASON FOR LSE BEAVERS ALL modesty aside the LSE Basketball team is coming towards the end of a highly successful season. Our performances have consistently improved and in the Metropolitan League Division 1 in which we play, ten games have been won and two have been lost. As an added bonus, most of the American contingent seem to be able to safely take two pints after most games. On Thursday January 14th, the Beavers had their most important game to date — a return fixture against North London Owls, one of i the two teams to have beaten us this season. The game was a win by 99-71 and I clearly provided the necessary impetus for the major tournament of the year, the university championships (UAUi. The regional tournament took place on 16th-18th January at Essex University, one of the few places I have visited which makes you feel grateful to be at LSE. Six teams competed, the itinerary drawn up and we were drawn to play Essex and Brunei on our side of the draw. We played Essex in our first game and won 98-44 in a game which was close until the end of the first minute. Brunei promised to be a much tougher proposition. Despite an alcoholic haze from the preceding night and an opposing 6 ft. 8 in. giant who might well be the Missing Link, LSE took an early lead and eventually thrashed a demoralised opposition 98-48. Our opponents in the semi-finals were Surrey who worried us with what looked like a semblance or or- ganisation. However, the Beaver machine creaked into action and eventually amassed a total of 111-57 and so the final. Unfortunately the final proved distinctly flat with us having to play Brunei again. Motivating ourselves against a team whom we had beaten by 50 points four hours previously proved very difficult but we eventually won 70-53 ensuring our place in the finals. As for individual performances, Doug Gardner emerged as the top scorer avenging nearly 25 points for all but one game. Dave Loder, John Cozzi and Hayo Homm also scored consistently and highly. Hayo Homm also deserves special mention for proving conclusively that being 6 ft. 9 ins. tall has certain advantages for basketball. Almost nothing was by him in terms of rebounding at both ends although the same cannot be said of his performances off the court. The finals were held on the weekend of 29-31 January at Birmingham University. In the final tournament eight teams were entered and split into two leagues four. LSE being drawn against Exeter, Loughborough and Liverpool in that order. LSE found themselves playing Exeter on the Friday night. Exeter boasted the ex-England senior team coach and even more impressively a matching kit. Nevertheless LSE's subtle coaching ploys ensured an excellent victory 83-63. The team performance in this game really set the tone for the remainder of the tournament. Hayo Homm "The aircraft carrier" dominating the rebounding at either end. Dave Loder and John Cozzi also worked effectively. Peter Sullivan "The Tank" scoring freely on the fast break and missing all his foul shots and John Morefield scoring 100 per cent. On Saturday morning we faced Loughborough — one of those re-voltingly keen PE colleges who to put it euphemistically were very confident of beating us. One of their team came into the court and said "Who is it we are playing today, London or something?" The LSE Beavers weren't exactly splitting their sides at this jibe and answered in the only way they know how. Despite being eight points down at half time, LSE pulled back to beat what's their names Lowenbrun 68-61. In the afternoon LSE played Liverpool in the final League match and cruised to victory 92-70. David Hollis played well and Doug Gardner also decided to go for personal glory collecting 30 points and considerably boosting his average. In the semi finals LSE were drawn against Nottingham who were fortunate enough to have three players 6ft 5in and taller. However LSE again played well and despite having only eight players comfortably won 76-52. In the final we again met Loughborough who in truth (with us) were one of the two best teams. -Although everyone feigned optimism everyone was dejected. Dave Loder even declined his pre-match play. Loughborough on the other hand looked serene and confident all 12 of them in matching purple touchsuits performing complicated practice drills to order. Their 6ft llin centre also looked dangerous. The LSE team, however, received a timely boost when their supporter arrived with a poster. He proceeded to lead the singing of the famous LSE Beaver song "Night Beaver". The game started and LSE played unquestionably their best half ever. At half-time LSE were leading by 9 points and Doug Gardner hadn't even been sent off. The second half saw a calculated consolidation of this and LSE finally emerged as victors 78-64. Whilst in all truthfulness this like all games was a team performance, I feel Dave Loder should be singled out for mention. Apparently he is to reveal in his memoirs that he saves himself for the big occasions and it certainly looked that way on Saturday. But in any case one certainly felt that the whole of the opposing half was . "Loderland". So, having beaten what's their name? Heineken? in the final, LSE Basketball team have taken the coveted Robinson Trophy as university champions of England and Wales and look forward to defending the title next year. Mr Robinson, judging by the size of the trophy was not a man of means but the champagne certainly tasted sweet. Finally a few statistics which I am sure do not do justice to the players involved, except for Doug Gardner's game against Liverpool. Team: Nigel Knight, David Loder, David Hollis, Doug Gardner, Hayo Homm, John Morefield, Geoff Joyce, John Cozzi, Peter Sullivan. Top scorers; Hayo Homni 94 pts, Dave Loder 78 pts, John Cozzi 62 pts. Player of Tournament: Hayo Homm. thrilling contest and now see their chances of the championship ebbing slightly. Meanwhile, the fourths' regular 'keeper, Tom Benyer, was launching his ample bulk to save the seconds even greater embarrassment than already suffered at the hands of I.P. seconds. Even our Fat Tom's brilliant penalty save, however, could not prevent Imperial notching five against our lot without reply. The seconds now have a new striker in the form of Wild Willy Jack, the mad Ulsterman, who with Paisleyite fervour has seen the new captaincy as his passport into the Northern Ireland squad for Spain, but one cannot help feeling that big Willy ;has he?) is taking the helm of a sinking-ship. Thirds captain Steve Kennedy has remarked with quiet satisfaction that his side are points ahead of the seconds, with two games in hand. We now await the clash of the century between seconds and thirds with mounting anticipation, so don't let anything keep you away, this one is not to be missed. At least the firsts, as they plough through, a heavy backlog of games seem to promise championship glory, and they alone in our recent bout of matches with Imperial emerged as victors from their "top of the table" clash. This is surely a case of one of the football club's favourite sons rediscovering his magical goal-scoring touch. Roy, "the' boy" Coles got the goals which decisively sunk the scientists, and with the inspirational effect of skipper Mike Hussey's (or is it Revie) galvanising team-talks ultimate glory for the firsts seems assured (these dossiers on the opposition might be going too far though Mike). For the rest of the club there's always the football club dinner to look forward to. How about the Savoy this year? Greasy Gigs? Gary Glitter looks for another big hit CHARITY CRICKET (FOR THE NATWEST TROPHY) at the MICHAEL SOBELL SPORTS CENTRE Holloway Road Tube (Finsbury Park) WEDNESDAY, 24th FEBRUARY Start (prompt) 1.00 pm - 7.30 pm (finish) * Only 25p * In aid of MIND, AMNESTY and GREENPEACE 6-A-SIDE TEAMS 1 Porters 5 indi 2 Natwest Bank 3 LSE 1st XI 4 AIESEC Teams split into two groups of four and the teams play each other in their group on a league basis:— eg.-— Group 'A' Group 'B' Pakistan Soc v LSE 1st AIESEC v Staff Winners of the Groups meet in the Final 8 OVERS PER SIDE PER MATCH TWO OVERS PER BOWLER MAXIMUM BATSMEN RETIRE .AFTER SCORING 15 RUNS 40 MINUTES A GAME NINE HOURS PLAYINQJTIME ON TWO COURTS nety 7 Pakistan Society 8 Students' Union VI Rugby improvements L.S.E. rugby continues to be sue- 1 cessful following the Christmas break. The first games against Imperial College were lost but this is blamed on the after effects of turkey (cold), etc. However, form was soon regained and R.I.H.E. . North London Poly and Thames Poly were summarily dismissed. In the last game Phil Irvin showed how impressive he is from five yards in trundling over for a try. Mark Wyatt, being much fitter managed to amble over from 15 yards on two occasions. Dave Brinkman, resident mega American having taken advice from Bill Beaumont, has decided to rest his concussed head for two weeks and will be seeing a neurologist i on Monday. In the second XV a giant L.S.E. custom was revived when John Box achieved a century of points in the season. The terms of this custom are that anyone seeing John in Carr Saunders Hall has the right to claim a pint from him. This term points have flowed in abundance from the second XV. Around 20 tries have been scored, including one by the captain of.the hockey team (male). Yet the whole rugby club still waits in vain ,lor an individual try from Ritchie Dahill. Rathmines R.F.C. enjoyed 1 a quiet and cultural weekend, taking in much of the architectural excellence of S.W. London, namely Twickenham and the Hole-in-the-Wall where they indulged in the age-old practice of yabooing. This '' is much more than can be said for one M. (Judas) Hackett Esq., who was reputed to have been drunk beyond recognition by 5.30 on,Friday evening. This isn't the example we should be setting our Irish confreres. by London School of EccDon^^andPom!c^^cience^StudTOt^Jnionr,^ast^jadMi^^inte^jrRils^Trintm^dr^^^^^^^